Cup joy for Chichester ladies - but girls struggle

Chichester Ladies II 4 Anchorians Reserves 0

Chairman’s Cup first round

With four changes to the starting line-up, Chichester needed to get back to winning ways after a defeat the previous week.

They began with high intensity and woman of the match Jemma Cottam-Verbruggen in central midfield ran the game.

Chichester’s passing was too much for the Anchorian defence and Kerri Grant set up Natalie Spencer to make it 1-0.

Cottam-Verbruggen’s passing was becoming too much for Anchorians and she spread the play brilliantly.

A huge kick from the almost-redundant Chelsie Collins in the Chichester goal caught the defence out for Spencer to lift the ball over the keeper to make it 2-0.

A great run from Tasha Knowles in midfield finished in the Anchorians’ keeper’s hands.

The second half saw Anchorians go down to ten after an injury and that left Chichester in cruise control, Spencer finally getting her hat-trick after a few missed opportunities. Chichester hit the woodwork three times, Kim Smith going close from a well-struck free-kick and Grant doing the same from the edge of the area, before Natalie Clarke made it 4-0.

CITY: Collins, Cole, Steed, Garner, Wright, Cottam-Verbruggen, Knowles, Clarke, Horne, Spencer, Grant, Subs: Smith, Harnett.

UNDER-16

Chichester City 1 Northfield 2

Chichester were hoping to improve on last week’s performance against the same side.

They started with confidence and the first half was even.

Nichole Buckingham and Alice Leeming ensuredChichester’s defence were never in real danger and Georgie Adams collected anything that came her way.

A Northfield attempt early in the second half just skimmed the bar and Chichester were immediately on the back foot.

A few minutes later Northfield broke through, leaving the goalie with no chance.

Chichester rallied well and began to get the ball into the opposition half. Isola Hilton was everywhere and Amy Howes was useful on the left wing.

Coral Campbell and Claire Lambourne worked hard to gain possession but another Northfield attempt saw Adams go to ground in making a fantastic save. The defence were unable to get goalside and the ball found the net on the rebound.

Chichester fought back valiantly and after a superb free kick from Lucie Challen, Lauren Ellis got one back.

Despite considerable effort and some half-chances, the elusive equaliser never came - but the overall performance was pleasing.

CITY: Georgie Adams, Coral Campbell, Gabi Fisher, Courtney De Ste Croix, Alice Leeming, Jodie Adfield, Amy Howes, Claire Lambourne, Lucie Challen, Isola Hilton, Jess Harnett, Lauren Ellis, Nichole Buckingham, Emily Sabin.

Felpham 0 Oakwood 0

Felpham were determined to be strong from the beginning and Hannah Ward and Jemma Meek epitomised this attitude with a superb defensive display which allowed Felpham to control long periods of the game without ever really threatening an Oakwood side who defended resolutely.

Sian Payne and Heather McLinden were at the heart of everything going forward for Felpham, but Eloise Paine and Emily Diplock missed great opportunities to secure the win Felpham deserved.

FELPHAM: Russell; Luff; Ward; Payne; Makey; McLinden; Diplock; Paine; Meek; Watson-Williams; Delongsdon. Subs: Oliver; Stonelake.

Send your ladies’ and girls’ football reports to [email protected]